What is telehealth?
Hearing a lot about telehealth lately? Connecting with your therapist online is a great way to get the health care you need from the comfort and safety of your own home.
The #1 reason we specialize in Telehealth: Reduced stress! Think about all the time, money, and energy you save not driving to another appointment; not to mention, the convenience of a virtual session!?
The #2 reason: access. We work with clients from anywhere in Utah, not just the Salt Lake City area.
On this page:
- What does telehealth mean?
- What types of care can I get using telehealth?
- Benefits of telehealth.
- Does it work?
What does telehealth mean?
Telehealth — sometimes called telemedicine — lets your therapist provide care for you without an in-person office visit. Telehealth is done primarily online with internet access on your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
There are several options for telehealth care:
- Talk to your therapist live over the phone or video chat.
- Send and receive messages from your therapist using secure messaging, email, secure messaging, and secure file exchange.
There are many options to access telehealth if you don’t have a stable internet connection or device connected to the internet. Read more about how to get help with access to telehealth.
Did you know?
Recent federal policy changes about technology use now allow you to receive care using popular video chat programs that you may already be using. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed just how useful telehealth can be to access sessions with your therapist from wherever you are.**
We currently use a password protected / encrypted HIPAA compliant Zoom connection.
What types of care can I get using telehealth?
You can get a variety of specialized care through telehealth. Telehealth is especially helpful for regularly scheduled counseling and / or therapy sessions.
Your therapist will decide whether telehealth is right for your mental health needs. Ask your therapist about your telehealth options, especially if you concerned about the health risk of exposure to illness or other health concerns you may have when moving around in public spaces.
Common telehealth care options include:
- Therapy and online counseling.
- Recurring conditions like chronic anxiety, depression, fatigue, loneliness, etc.
- Prescription management with your psychiatrist.
Your therapist may also ask you to send information that will help improve your health:
- Follow up email after each session.
- Documentation / paperwork.
Therapists can send you information to manage your health at home:
- Notifications or reminders to do weekly exploration.
- New suggestions for improving diet, mobility, or stress management and sleep.
- Detailed instructions on how to continue your care at home.
- Encouragement to stick with your treatment plan.
Benefits of telehealth
Virtual Therapy is a game changer!
Virtual visits are growing in popularity. Though in-person office visits may be necessary in certain cases, there are many benefits of telehealth care.
- Virtual visits ensure you get health care wherever you are located – at home, at work or even in your car.
- Virtual visits cut down on travel, time off from work, and the need for child care.
- Virtual health care tools can shorten the wait for an appointment.
- Increased access to specialists who are located far away from your hometown.
- We see clients from anywhere in Utah via telehealth.
Q: But does it work? I mean, how can it work if we’re not in an office together?
A: Yes! It really works!
- Studies are finding that telehealth not only works, but that it can be more effective than visiting an office. Seem counter-intuitive? Think about all the stress, time, and money you save not driving to another appointment; not to mention, the convenience of a virtual session!? But as LeVar Burton says, “Don’t take our word for it”:
Telehealth is not a perfect fit for everyone or every mental health condition. Make sure you discuss any disadvantages or risks with your therapist.
Telehealth: What to Know for Your Family (PDF) — from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
**Disclaimer: The reference to video- and text-based communications software for telehealth is informational and not intended as an endorsement of any one company or telehealth product.